News

Andy Burnham confirms Greater Manchester buses will be brought under local control

The final decision was announced this week - with nine out of 10 councils already backing plans to bring buses under regional control.

The Manc The Manc - 25th March 2021

Mayor Andy Burnham has confirmed that buses in the Greater Manchester region are set to be franchised.

The final decision was announced on Thursday (March 25) – with nine out of 10 councils having already backed plans to bring buses under regional control.

Under the new regime, buses can still be run by private companies, but Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and local authorities can set fares, timetables and routes.

A group of bus operators in the region have previously expressed opposition to the plans – claiming the £135m cost “only covers the transfer of responsibilities, does not provide any future investment or service improvements, and creates no change to today’s network.”

Stagecoach also launched a website proposing a partnership plan that functioned as an “alternative to franchising.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Explaining his decision on Thursday, Burnham told press that Greater Manchester has been “held back” by its bus services.

“I have also considered the views of the public, transport staff and stakeholders about these proposals,” he said.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Taking all of that into account, I can today announce that after 35 years of deregulation in Greater Manchester I have decided to bring our buses back under local, public control.”

The new system will be introduced from early 2023.

Burnham previously confirmed his ‘big ticket item’ for Mayoral re-election was a revamp of local transport – introducing a London-style system whereby passengers could travel using a single pass for buses and trams.

ADVERTISEMENT

Speaking to The Manc earlier this month, Burnham said the new network had the potential to be “life-changing”.

“We can improve people’s quality of life with this – and give them a public transport system that’s just much more convenient, easier to use, and more affordable,” the Mayor added.

Featured image: David Dixon / Geograph

News

You can now have a private tour of Manchester Christmas Markets

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

Every year, Manchester Christmas Markets hosts its almost two-month long residency on the frosty streets of our lively city, but now you can enjoy the cute huts with an unbeatable luxury experience.

Travel agency, Viator, who are directly connected to TripAdvisor, have launched a one on one guided tour of Manchester and its stunning Manchester Christmas Markets in all their glory.

This private tour of the festivities occurring in the city will last two hours and for the whole duration of your time, a city host will be on hand to offer undivided attention, catering to your every need.

A makeshift itinerary is already awaiting guests and can be tailored according to the individual taking the tour, everything is catered to your preferences.

Anyone who books onto the tour also receives a complimentary hot chocolate and that’s sweetened the deal for me, I’m sold.

Best sandwich at Manchester Christmas Markets.
How can you go wrong with these incredible options at Manchester Christmas Markets?
The best cheesy things at Manchester Christmas Markets.
You can recreate your very own gigantic cheese pull and your local host can snap a piccie.
Waffle Kart at Manchester Christmas Markets
Scrumptious selection of food available as you venture through Manchester Christmas Markets in style.

There’s also the chance to keep your hands toasty with a free cup of mulled wine or a soft-drink for those who aren’t interested in the warm alcoholic beverage.

Manchester Christmas Markets are a phenomenal day or night-out regardless so this latest personalised opportunity will take your festive fantasies to a whole new level.

This private tour provides a one-of-a-kind exclusive treatment making your stroll down Manchester Cathedral, Exchange Square and Manchester Town Hall that little bit more special.

These tours are a great chance to immerse yourself in one of Manchester’s many selling points as you can choose to focus your time around art and culture, fashion, architecture or our personal favourite – food.

Although the tour doesn’t include the cost for the amount of gifts and presents you’re about to buy while walking round the event, it’s definitely an innovative way to explore everything Manchester has to offer at Christmastime.

This exclusive tour package which highlights the best of Manchester Christmas Markets is definitely a present in itself with tickets costing a hefty sum of £100.

If you want to visit Manchester Christmas Markets while also living the high life with a private tour, ‘Christmas In Manchester: Private Experience With A City Host’ is running all the way until the huts shut shop on 22 December and tickets can be found here.

Read more:

Featured Image: The Manc Group

News

A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia Christmas toy train Wigan

Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.

The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.

Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.

In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.

xmas train wigan
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)

All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.

Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.

This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.

So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.

This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.

festive events wigan
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.
wigan toy train
The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.
Credit: Supplied

Read more:

This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.

The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.

Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?

You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Lee Boswell (supplied)

More News

Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford

News

Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford, as police hunt ‘answers’

Pep stay at Man City for one more year new deal

News

Pep Guardiola signs new contract to stay at Manchester City until 2027

Tommy Muir dead tributes

News

Tributes pour in for chairman of Manchester City’s ‘Cheadle Blues’ supporters club, Tommy Muir

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches